DO NOT ADOPT THESE PROPOSALS!  As a parent of 3 children receiving the benefits of gifted education, I cannot express how disturbing it is that to think that the program may ultimately be done away with.  This seems a very transparent way of slowly getting rid of gifted education.  The DOE must remain as an oversight body, do not give the power of decisions regarding these programs to the local school board.  They will quickly decide the money designated for GATE can be used elsewhere.  No one would ever suggest taking away special education for our disabled children-why are mine any different?